When The Puppet Falls For The Puppeteer

"Not tonight"

Myra

Come to the court. I will drop you after practice.

I stared at Marcus's text, letting out a slow, exasperated sigh. My chest tightened-not because of the words, but because of the weight they carried. Like everything with him, it wasn't a request. It was an instruction.

Pulling my backpack higher over my shoulder, I turned and made my way towards the football court, the crunch of gravel beneath my shoes louder than usual.

"Hey, peach. What's up?" Ash's voice cut through the rising dread, and something inside me unclenched. I looked over my shoulder and gave her a weak smile.

"Oh, thank God," I muttered. "I'm not going to have to tolerate this alone."

She grinned and slung an arm around my shoulders. Her energy was always grounding, like the calm before the storm.

"The tournament's coming up fast," she said brightly. "The team's looking good-Coach is seriously pumped. With Dan and Marcus on the same side, we have undeniable wins this year."

I forced a smile. "Of course," I replied flatly, the name Marcus landing like a stone in my gut.

"So how come you are here?"

"Marcus is going to drop me home after practice" I said. I don't have the energy to lie more or cook up more stories. I already lie to her enough I guess I can go with somethings as they are.

"And that is because?"

"Because he has given me lift in the morning. I didn't bring my car. Because he is guilty for Will and Mom or only because he is a control freak. Pick your favourite" I said shrugging.

As we stepped onto the court, laughter rang out from the other end. I didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Well, look what the trash cat dragged in."

Jessica's voice cut through the air, sharp and shrill, followed by giggles from the cheer squad. I felt Ash tense beside me.

I offered a half-smile. "Some people might call it the head cheerleader."

The air shifted. Jess gasped dramatically, and Ash burst out laughing.

"You bitch," Jessica snapped, and before I could move, her hand yanked my hair hard, dragging my head back.

"Get off me!" I shouted, pushing her away. My scalp burned, my temper flared. "What the hell is your problem?"

"You stay the hell away from my boyfriend!" Jessica screeched, eyes wild. "You think I don't see it? The way you act? Like you're better? You're trash, Myra. Always were, always will be."

"What boyfriend?" I asked, genuinely baffled. I am not insane to talk to any boys after Marcus forbade it, let alone flirt.

"Marcus!" she spat like it was obvious.

I blinked. "Marcus Clayton is your boyfriend?"

"Yes, he is," she said, chest heaving with pride and fury.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Did he really... ask her out? But why would that even matter to me?
Why the hell do you care, Myra?

"Then maybe go tell your boyfriend to leave me the fuck alone!" I shouted, shoving her back.

"You slut!" she screamed, lunging again and grabbing my hair.

"Let go! What the hell is wrong with you?" I snapped, pulling free. Anger boiled in me like acid. I'm done with everyone walking over me! They think it's okay just because I stay quiet-but not today. I am already on the edge and she better don't test my patience today.